Architect A.R. Saleem Hosts Literary Gathering of Poets and Scholars to Celebrate Urdu Heritage
HYDERABAD, India – Writer and editor Mahmood Shahid officially launched his new bi-monthly Urdu magazine, Afsana Numaa, at a prestigious literary gathering yesterday, October 30. The event, held at the Green Summit Building in Tolichowki, was hosted by esteemed architect and community leader Abdul Rahman Saleem (A.R. Saleem), on a brief visit from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and co-hosted by Architect Imran Saleem.
The magazine, published under the Waseela banner, is dedicated to nurturing emerging Urdu writers by focusing on short stories and narratives. The launch was organized by Mr. Saleem to honor Mr. Shahid, who was passing through Hyderabad.
The multifaceted event brought together prominent poets, scholars, and former non-resident Indians (NRIs) and was divided into a prose session and a mushaira (poetry reading), followed by a luncheon.
The magazine was formally launched by A.R. Saleem, Prof. Muzaffar Shahmiri, and Dr. Abid Moiz. Prof. Shahmiri, who presided over the entire event, delivered a compelling address on the benefits of bilingual education in Urdu and English. Emphasizing the critical need for language preservation, he recited a poignant couplet: “When a man is lynched, only he dies; but when a language is lynched, the entire community perishes.”
In the prose session, anchored by Dr. Abid Moiz, speakers discussed the magazine’s potential to connect Indian and overseas communities through storytelling. Mr. Shahid shared the magazine’s origin story, noting it was born from the challenges faced by his Waseela channel during the COVID-19 pandemic. “It’s a mirror to our untold stories and the poetry in daily life,” he remarked.
Mr. A.R. Saleem opened the gathering by reflecting on Hyderabad’s rich literary heritage. Dr. Ozair Ghazi spoke on the healing power of stories, while Engr. M.A. Hameed urged a focus on self-reliance through rural education initiatives.
The second session, a captivating mushaira anchored by Mr. Atyab Aijaz, drew enthusiastic applause as poets recited evocative ghazals, nazms, and humorous pieces. The distinguished lineup of poets included:
- Prof. Muzaffar Shahmiri
- Mr. Atyab Aijaz
- Mr. Shakeel Hyder
- Dr. Aleem Khan Falaki
- Mr. Baseer Khalid
- Mr. Najeeb Ahmed
- Mr. Saif Nizami
- Dr. Yasmeen Akhtar
- Dr. Sayeed Nawaz
- Mr. Lateefuddin Lateef
- Mr. A.R. Saleem
The launch underscored the timeless relevance of Urdu literature in fostering cultural bonds. Notable guests included Syed Zia ur Rahman (Managing Director, ZITCO Group and Founder, YaHind.Com), Architect M.A. Raoof Ateeq, Intesar Alavi (Krishna Western Hospital), and Jaweed Kamal (Maulana Azad Research Institute).
About Afsana Numaa Afsana Numaa is an international bi-monthly Urdu magazine published under the Waseela banner and edited by Mahmood Shahid. The publication is dedicated to promoting Urdu literature by focusing on short stories (afsana) and narratives, with a special emphasis on nurturing and providing a platform for emerging writers in India and abroad.
